Connect with us

India Hot Topics

The current situtation in Sri Lanka and Pakistan is due to Chinese funding for white elephant projects

Published

on

The current situtation in Sri Lanka and Pakistan is due to Chinese funding for white elephant projects

Built during the presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa, both port and airport, built from high-interest loans from Chinese EXIM bank, are examples of fiscal profligacy.

Eighteen kilometres from Chinese owned Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka lies Mattala Rajapaksa International airport, which is unfortunately the least used airport in the world.

The Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka and Gwadar Port in restive Baluchistan in Pakistan are classical cases of white elephant projects. Both the ports are located strategically but are commercially unsustainable as there is simply not enough traffic. China has already acquired Hambantota and may acquire Gwadar too in the coming months. Fact is that there is no real income from these ports and cargo traffic is being diverted from Colombo and Karachi ports to keep them operational while Matala airport, in Sri Lanka, is sometimes used for storing paddy.

Beijing has maintained that its loans comprise 10 per cent of Sri Lanka’s overall external debt. This works out to be USD five billion out of total debt of nearly USD 51 billion excluding currency swaps, foreign currency term facility agreements, and loans given by Chinese state-owned enterprises.

Advertisement

In Pakistan, the Chinese EXIM Bank has loaned USD 11 billion (concessional) at an interest rate of 1.6 per cent for infrastructure projects and another USD 15.5 billion (commercial) carrying an interest rate of 5-6 per cent for power projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of the BRI and designed to give Beijing access to the Arabian Sea and beyond.

In Pakistan, the debt burden has consistently increased due to the regular depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee at an average of six per cent per year. In Sri Lanka, the Lankan Rupee collapsed in a matter of days, increasing the cost of hard currency dramatically.

Today, the value of 1$ in Sri Lanka is equal to 300 Sri Lankan rupees.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Movie

The Madras High Court has granted early screenings of Vijay’s Leo movie from 7 AM, requesting the TN government to resolve any issues.

Published

on

By

The Madras High Court has granted early screenings of Vijay’s Leo movie from 7 AM, requesting the TN government to resolve any issues.

Madras High Court Grants Early Screenings of Vijay’s “Leo” Movie at 7 AM, Urges TN Government to Address Concerns

The Madras High Court has made a landmark decision in favor of the much-anticipated Tamil film “Leo,” starring actor Vijay. In a significant move, the court has granted permission for early screenings of the movie from 7 AM, urging the Tamil Nadu government to swiftly address any issues and facilitate the smooth release of the film. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the realm of Tamil cinema and the entertainment industry at large.

Historical Context:

The Indian film industry, particularly the Tamil film industry, has seen its share of controversies and challenges related to film releases. Issues such as censorship, political disputes, and public sentiment have often played a significant role in shaping the release schedules and screening times for films. Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s most prominent actors, has been at the center of such controversies in the past. This decision by the Madras High Court is, therefore, particularly noteworthy.

Advertisement

The Ruling:

The Madras High Court’s decision to permit early screenings of “Leo” comes as a response to a plea filed by the film’s producers. The court, while considering the plea, took into account various factors, including the film’s anticipated popularity and the prevailing circumstances. The court emphasized the importance of accommodating the audience’s interests and allowing them to enjoy the film without disruptions.

A Step Towards Normalization:

The court’s decision signifies a positive shift in the film industry, where release dates and screening times are often mired in controversy. By allowing screenings to commence at 7 AM, the court aims to reduce the chances of public unrest and congestion near theaters, especially in the wake of high-profile film releases.

Advertisement

The Role of the Tamil Nadu Government:

The Madras High Court, in its ruling, also called upon the Tamil Nadu government to cooperate in ensuring a seamless release for the film. This cooperation extends to providing necessary security measures to maintain law and order around theaters during the early screenings.

Implications for the Entertainment Industry:

The decision is expected to set a precedent for the release of other highly anticipated films, not just in Tamil cinema but also in the broader Indian film industry. The court’s emphasis on the importance of accommodating the audience’s interests could lead to more flexible screening times for movies in the future.

Advertisement

The Audience’s Perspective:

For moviegoers and fans of Vijay, this decision comes as a welcome relief. They can now look forward to enjoying the film without any undue delays or disruptions, ensuring a memorable cinematic experience.

In conclusion, the Madras High Court’s ruling to allow early screenings of Vijay’s “Leo” at 7 AM while urging the Tamil Nadu government to resolve any issues paves the way for a more audience-centric approach in the film industry. It is a landmark decision that highlights the importance of balancing the interests of filmmakers and the movie-loving public. This judgment is poised to make a positive impact on the release of future films, ushering in a new era of flexibility and convenience for cinema enthusiasts.

Group Media Publications
Entertainment News Platforms – anyflix.in      
Construction Infrastructure and Mining News Platform – https://cimreviews.com/
General News Platform – https://ihtlive.com/
Podcast Platforms – https://anyfm.in

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Anyskill-ads

Facebook

[the_ad id="55117"]

Trending